LEADS Lounge

One State. Many Classrooms. One Message

In this episode of Leads Lounge, we’re joined by members of the Kansas Teacher of the Year Team—an elite group of educators representing classrooms from every corner of Kansas. They’re in schools across the state sharing a unified message, learning from educators, and seeing firsthand what’s happening in classrooms right now. From powerful innovations to real challenges, this episode pulls back the curtain on what teaching in Kansas really looks like today—and where it’s headed next.

Leading with Purpose: Empowering Teachers, Elevating Classrooms

In this episode of Leads Lounge, we sit down with District Elementary Instructional Coach Hailey Couch, an educator whose impact stretches from the kindergarten classroom to statewide educational leadership. With over a decade in education, Hailey shares her journey from teacher to coach, her passion for supporting early career educators, and her mission to strengthen teacher retention and instructional excellence across her district. We also dive into her leadership philosophy, what drives her work every day, and a few fun surprises—including her go-to hype song and a fact that most people wouldn’t expect. This conversation is all about empowerment, growth, and what it truly means to lead from the inside out in education.

If Walt Were Leading Today… Leadership Lessons Revisited

What would leadership look like if Walt Disney were leading today? In this return visit to the LEADS Lounge, Dr. Barnes—best-selling author, international speaker, and known worldwide as Dr. Disneyland—helps us revisit Disney’s leadership principles through a modern lens. Building on our earlier conversation, we dive deeper into vision, culture, storytelling, and the intentional choices that turn big ideas into lasting impact. This episode challenges leaders to think differently about how they design experiences, develop people, and create a legacy that endures. Once again, you may never look at Disney...or leadership...the same way.

Leadership Lessons from the Happiest Place on Earth

What if leadership, learning, and legacy could be taught in line for a ride? In this episode of the LEADS Lounge, we welcome Jeff Barnes best-selling author, international speaker, and famously known as Dr. Disneyland. As the only professor teaching an accredited college course on the history of Disneyland, Jeff sees Disney parks as living classrooms filled with powerful lessons about people, purpose, and possibility. Join us for a conversation that blends magic with meaning—and might just change the way you think about leadership forever.

From Classroom to Calling: Building the Future of Teaching

How do we recruit the next generation of educators—and make sure they stay? In this episode of the LEADS Lounge, we’re joined by Amy Hillman and Todd Roberts, two leaders working at the heart of Kansas’ educator pipeline. Together, they bring nearly 50 years of experience in teaching, leadership, recruitment, and teacher preparation. Amy Hillman, Recruiter Liaison for USD 233 and Assistant Director of the Kansas Future Teacher Academy, shares her journey from the classroom to district and university leadership, and her passion for equity, innovation, and meaningful pathways into the profession. Todd Roberts, Teachers College Recruitment and Partnership Specialist at Emporia State University, reflects on his classroom roots and the work he now leads to connect future educators with districts across the state—strengthening partnerships and sustaining the profession. This conversation dives into: ✔️ Why recruitment must start early ✔️ How relationships keep educators in the profession ✔️ What schools, districts, and universities can do together ✔️ Why the future of education depends on intentional support If you care about the future of teaching, teacher recruitment, and building pathways that work—this is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in now and join us in the LEADS Lounge.